Why Gaming Affiliates in Germany Face Difficult Times
It’s no secret: For years, many of online gaming affiliates in Germany have been operating in a gray area—or, in many cases, even illegally. Many websites, comparison portals, and social media accounts promote offshore casinos in German, targeting German-speaking players. The affiliates then receive commissions through foreign companies. In most cases, these payments are processed via payment providers, crypto wallets, or accounts abroad.
The revenue often comes from players residing in Germany, which means the provisions of the 2021 State Treaty on Gambling apply. The GGL, as the supervisory authority, is becoming increasingly well-equipped, and there is now a flood of GGL proceedings against Gaming Affiliates in Germany, which are often accompanied by investigations from the relevant public prosecutors’ offices. Therefore, it is extremely naive and dangerous to believe that one can keep gaming activities out of the reach of German authorities by operating anonymously and offshore and receiving funds only in crypto wallets.